ARA Architects

The Plan of Works

There are two statutory hurdles that every project needs to clear before competitive tenders are sought and work commences on site; these are Town Planning Approval and Building Regulation Approval.

Town Planning Approval ~

Many small domestic alterations and extensions are undertaken swiftly, being approved by Local Authority Planning Departments under what is known as Permitted Development. But complex projects such as those for the disabled, almost without exception, need to be submitted for Full Town Planning Approval, due to their size and impact on neighbouring properties. Once submitted the process takes a minimum statutory eight weeks for the application to be determined.

Building Regulation Approval ~

Whilst the Town Planning Approval deals with the questions of size, character and impact of the proposed works the Building Regulation Application deals with the technical aspects of structure, drainage, mechanical and electrical services and energy efficiency. It is imperative that the detailed design and specifications are agreed with Building Control prior to work commencing on site in order to avoid and unnecessary expenditure.

An outline of each of the work stages can be seen by clicking or hovering over the relevant area in the chart below.